Things You'll Need:
- bandages
- gloves
- bulb
- syringe
- scissors
- paper cups
- medicine spoon
- sterile dressing
- sterile gauze
- adhesive tape
- butterfly bandages
- emergency numbers
- first aid chart
- first aid medications
- matches
- face mask
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Step 1
A first Aid Kit is an important item to have in the home and office. To assemble your own kit the first to look for is a sturdy box or container. The size will depend on how many times you want to organize in the kit and for what purposes. For example, it is recommended to have a complete comprehensive kit for the home and for trips that will increase the risk of sustaining injuries, like camping, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, active sporting trips. Some people like to have a smaller, portable size handy kit to carry in the glove compartment of the car or in their bag. Look for a container that is sturdy, lightweight and waterproof. A plastic container or fish tackle box make good choices. Make sure you clean the container and then write first aid kit on the cover.
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Step 2
Some important items to put in he kit is a resource book which will contain information like emergency telephone numbers (remember to include your home, work and cell numbers if this is for the home and you have kids), physicians number, local hospital numbers. Include a portable first aid kit booklet or a small summarized booklet of basic emergency protocol and procedures. These are available at most medical stores or online stores.
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Step 3
Some of the important items to include in any first aid kit will include the following:
- several types and sizes of bandages. For example, butterfly bandages are important to include to help keep the closure of the open lesions or - cut heal quicker and for aesthetic purposes to allow the scarring to be reduced and prevent the formation ugly scarring tissues.
- adhesive tapes
- triangular bandages
sterile gauze rolls, pads, cotton balls -
Step 4
- Some basic tools to include in the kit:
- Scissors
- matches
- small torchlight
- - batteries (all sizes)
- candles
- paper, pencil, pens
- paper cups
- disposable alcohol wipes, novelettes
- electrolyte drink packs
- instant-activated hot or ice packs
- bulb syringe
- medicine spoon
- face masks
- rubber gloves
You can add any other items that you fell might come in handy or needed in emergency situations. Customize the kit to your needs. -
Step 5
Medications are also important items to include in the kit. Some basic over-the-counter drugs are essential in the kit.
- aspirin
- ibuprofen, Tylenol, acetaminophen
- A important item for emergency allergic reaction is an epinephrine kit , like EpiPen ) which is available to buy at local pharmacies or drugstores
- Activated charcoal
- Sunscreen lotion
- Insect repellant
- Antiseptic lotion, creams , ointments
- Antacid
- moisturizers, calamine lotions
- Cough medications, cold/flu medicine
You can add other times of your choice to customize the kit. Adding some herbal remedies to the kit is also another idea to make a complete first aid kit. -
Step 6
Once you have assembled the kit make it accessibly available to everyone in the house or workplace. Place the kit in a place where it is visible to all and easy to get to. Make sure everyone know where the kit is places especially the children living in the house. Replace the kit regularly with items that have been used. Keep the kit in a dry place that is cool and not damp
remember to discard and any items, especially medication, that have expired.
Comments
MidniteWriter said
on 6/22/2008 Great tips for summer, thanks!
Fike said
on 6/21/2008 I think there's a typo in #6, but WOW - this is a great, informative, useful article. Thank you.
ehudsonj said
on 6/19/2008 # 3. was cut off in my last post.
Always include in the kit enough money for one or two local payphone calls - as popular as cellphones are, it still is possible to need a payphone and they need coins to work.
ehudsonj said
on 6/19/2008 An well written article - I might want to suggest a few things that may be of use to other readers.
Having been a Scout Leader now more then 20 years, making a first aid kit and teaching youth how to do the same has happened many times.
1. You can use almost any contatiner that is reasonable. We were given a number of the old theatre style flat film containers one time - the big round disk style, and used those. I have also gone to the local thrift store and bought each boy/girl a small/medium fanny pack and made a kit in those - Easy to carry for any hike or bike ride.
2. Make sure you check that first aid kit at least every 6 months or a year - replace the band-aids, as they get old and won't stick well, check and maybe replace any ointments such as Ozyenol or whatever that you would normally apply with a bandaid - same reason -they get old.
3. Always include in the kit at least en
HardworkinJudy said
on 6/19/2008 Useful practical tips. Thank you.